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2 Saints I Have Met
In 1988 while living in Ecuador, South America we were invited to a church service and met Rachel Saint the sister of Nate Saint.
Something impressed me with this woman who devoted her life to serve the people who had killed her brother, missionary pilot, Nate Saint. You can read more about Nate here. She lived with the Waodani for 40 years until she died in 1994. Nate's son, Steve Saint, became a pilot just like his dad. He and others continue the work among the Waodani today.
During lunch with her she was most interested in our son. Her questions were directed to him. She cared not so much about telling her story, but wanted to know about the interests of our son Dwight. She wanted to know the perspective of a young man from outside. Outside because she lived in very primitive conditions deep in the Ecuadorian jungle, far from civilization.
Something impressed me with this woman who devoted her life to serve the people who had killed her brother, missionary pilot, Nate Saint. You can read more about Nate here. She lived with the Waodani for 40 years until she died in 1994. Nate's son, Steve Saint, became a pilot just like his dad. He and others continue the work among the Waodani today.
During lunch with her she was most interested in our son. Her questions were directed to him. She cared not so much about telling her story, but wanted to know about the interests of our son Dwight. She wanted to know the perspective of a young man from outside. Outside because she lived in very primitive conditions deep in the Ecuadorian jungle, far from civilization.
In 1992 while on a visit to the Missionaries of Charity humanitarian facility in Calcutta, I was asked if I wanted to meet with Mother Teresa. She was in residence at the time. That was not the reason for our visit and I did not know that she had a residence there, but I said, that would be nice if she would like to meet me. We sat and talked in a breezeway outside her modest upstairs bare concrete floor apartment. She was a fascinating, diminutive of stature woman. And our conversation soon turned to my children. She asked question after question about my two sons.
As we were ending our conversation I asked if I take her photograph, and she agreed. Later I was told that was most unusual because she rarely granted that privilege. Here it is released for the first time.
As we were ending our conversation I asked if I take her photograph, and she agreed. Later I was told that was most unusual because she rarely granted that privilege. Here it is released for the first time.
So this sets the stage for the two Saints I have met. And my takeaway from these encounters is the same. They humbly cared about others. They both projected the here and now to the future by wanting to know all about the young that I influenced, my sons.
Their life calling, their life ministry focused on others. They showed a love that transcends human nature. They were both special because there was not an ounce of pride or self serving evident in our conversations. They were both following a calling from God to serve others and were committed to equality of all people.
Their life calling, their life ministry focused on others. They showed a love that transcends human nature. They were both special because there was not an ounce of pride or self serving evident in our conversations. They were both following a calling from God to serve others and were committed to equality of all people.
My friend Bud McCord leads the Abide International ministry in Brazil and writes a devotional we share on our Daily Living page. He writes about equality that follows:
“The desire for equality is a noble goal. Perhaps it is the most noble of human dreams. The search for it, however, has led to millions of deaths and great sacrifice. No matter how many deaths and how great the sacrifices, the dream of equality still seems far away.
Whether the path chosen to equality is the non-violent approach of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr or the radical violence of Lenin and Mao, time reveals just how hard equality is to produce or sustain. In all of human history has anyone shown us the way to equality?
In all of human history only Jesus had the courage to call Himself the way to human equality He was neither an activist nor an armed revolutionary. He was something altogether new. He claimed to be equal with God and and He invited humanity to be one with Him and the Father as the basis of equality. He said all who accept Him are instantly brought into the equality mankind longs to find. Jesus said being in Him would make us equals.”
Rachael Saint and now Saint Teresa of Calcutta both understood this about equality and reflected Jesus in their compassion and caring for those who need to know this Jesus, the Son of God.
“The desire for equality is a noble goal. Perhaps it is the most noble of human dreams. The search for it, however, has led to millions of deaths and great sacrifice. No matter how many deaths and how great the sacrifices, the dream of equality still seems far away.
Whether the path chosen to equality is the non-violent approach of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr or the radical violence of Lenin and Mao, time reveals just how hard equality is to produce or sustain. In all of human history has anyone shown us the way to equality?
In all of human history only Jesus had the courage to call Himself the way to human equality He was neither an activist nor an armed revolutionary. He was something altogether new. He claimed to be equal with God and and He invited humanity to be one with Him and the Father as the basis of equality. He said all who accept Him are instantly brought into the equality mankind longs to find. Jesus said being in Him would make us equals.”
Rachael Saint and now Saint Teresa of Calcutta both understood this about equality and reflected Jesus in their compassion and caring for those who need to know this Jesus, the Son of God.
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IN GOD WE TRUST part II
Last month’s BLOG discusses an important national holiday for all Americans; the Fourth of July ~ Independence Day.
IN GOD WE TRUST is the title and it brings me to part two this month. Part two because although IN GOD WE TRUST might be a national sentiment, it is more important for individuals to make or confirm a relationship with God for eternities sake. Now is the season ~ the midst of the Christian calendar between Christmas and Easter, two of the most significant times in the life of followers of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and Easter celebrates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This BLOG recalls the time Jesus spent with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. This is the ending of His earthly ministry and the concluding time with His disciples. It is from “The Story of THE MESSIAH” story adaptation by my friend, the late Max Freimark Rondoni.
“In the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were together in a room with the doors shut. They were afraid of the religious leaders. During that evening, Jesus suddenly appeared to them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ The disciples were afraid that they were seeing a ghost, but Jesus reassured them. The disciples became silent, waiting for the next moments.
They arranged themselves in a circle round the Lord. Jesus stretched out his hands, slowly turning his body as the men gazed at his hands. The memory of the Lord hanging on that cross filled their minds as they looked at the nail prints in his hands. Then, Jesus opened his garment and turned his body as the disciples, one by one, looked at the wound in his side where the Roman guard had thrust his spear.
After showing the disciples his wounds, Jesus permitted them to come to him, to touch him, to see that he was truly flesh and bone. It seemed so unreal. But slowly, each disciple realized that it was really Jesus. He was truly raised from the dead! As the joy increased, Jesus shared the meal of boiled fish with them.
There was yet so much for the disciples to understand. These men were going to be entrusted with bringing the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to the world. Jesus talked with the disciples, revealing the scriptures to them and carefully explaining what they were to do in proclaiming the message.
Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.’ Then Jesus breathed on the disciples, saying to each one, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Each disciple stood quietly as Jesus went up to each of them. Looking into the disciple’s eyes and placing his hands on the shoulders, Jesus pulled the disciple closer and breathed on him. None of them could find words to describe this experience. But something happened. They each were so different, still themselves but different. They would soon learn what it meant to have the Holy Spirit within them. There was a power that could not be explained. This power would enable the disciples to proclaim the ‘Good News’ and to face physical death without fear.
Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. When Thomas saw the disciples again, they told him that they had seen the Lord, but Thomas refused to believe them.
‘When I see the nail prints in his hands,’ said Thomas, ‘and put my hand into the wound in his side, then I will believe you.’
Eight days later, all of the disciples were together again, including Thomas. The doors of the room were shut, but Jesus suddenly appeared and greeted them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. Thomas drew back in fear. His words of unbelief that had seemed so bold now embarrassed him.
Jesus said to him, Thomas, reach out with your fingers; touch the nail prints in my hands. Take you hand; put your hand into my side. ‘Do not doubt, but believe.’ Thomas spoke quickly, almost interrupting Jesus, ‘Oh, my Lord and my God!’
Jesus stood before Thomas for a few moments and then he said, ‘Thomas, you believe because you have seen me. There is a special blessing for those who do not see me, and yet they believe.’”
There you have it, the reality of what IN GOD WE TRUST means to every believer in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. This special blessing Jesus spoke of is available to everyone who puts their faith in Him, the son of God. It is more important for you for all eternity to enjoy this faith in God than to have a national identity saying IN GOD WE TRUST.
RELATED BIBLE VERSES:
“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” MARK 16:19,20
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, (Jesus) Christ died for us.” ROMANS 5:8
“For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ.” ROMANS 6:10,11
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe shall be condemned.” MARK 16:16
IN GOD WE TRUST is the title and it brings me to part two this month. Part two because although IN GOD WE TRUST might be a national sentiment, it is more important for individuals to make or confirm a relationship with God for eternities sake. Now is the season ~ the midst of the Christian calendar between Christmas and Easter, two of the most significant times in the life of followers of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and Easter celebrates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This BLOG recalls the time Jesus spent with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. This is the ending of His earthly ministry and the concluding time with His disciples. It is from “The Story of THE MESSIAH” story adaptation by my friend, the late Max Freimark Rondoni.
“In the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were together in a room with the doors shut. They were afraid of the religious leaders. During that evening, Jesus suddenly appeared to them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ The disciples were afraid that they were seeing a ghost, but Jesus reassured them. The disciples became silent, waiting for the next moments.
They arranged themselves in a circle round the Lord. Jesus stretched out his hands, slowly turning his body as the men gazed at his hands. The memory of the Lord hanging on that cross filled their minds as they looked at the nail prints in his hands. Then, Jesus opened his garment and turned his body as the disciples, one by one, looked at the wound in his side where the Roman guard had thrust his spear.
After showing the disciples his wounds, Jesus permitted them to come to him, to touch him, to see that he was truly flesh and bone. It seemed so unreal. But slowly, each disciple realized that it was really Jesus. He was truly raised from the dead! As the joy increased, Jesus shared the meal of boiled fish with them.
There was yet so much for the disciples to understand. These men were going to be entrusted with bringing the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to the world. Jesus talked with the disciples, revealing the scriptures to them and carefully explaining what they were to do in proclaiming the message.
Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.’ Then Jesus breathed on the disciples, saying to each one, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Each disciple stood quietly as Jesus went up to each of them. Looking into the disciple’s eyes and placing his hands on the shoulders, Jesus pulled the disciple closer and breathed on him. None of them could find words to describe this experience. But something happened. They each were so different, still themselves but different. They would soon learn what it meant to have the Holy Spirit within them. There was a power that could not be explained. This power would enable the disciples to proclaim the ‘Good News’ and to face physical death without fear.
Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. When Thomas saw the disciples again, they told him that they had seen the Lord, but Thomas refused to believe them.
‘When I see the nail prints in his hands,’ said Thomas, ‘and put my hand into the wound in his side, then I will believe you.’
Eight days later, all of the disciples were together again, including Thomas. The doors of the room were shut, but Jesus suddenly appeared and greeted them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. Thomas drew back in fear. His words of unbelief that had seemed so bold now embarrassed him.
Jesus said to him, Thomas, reach out with your fingers; touch the nail prints in my hands. Take you hand; put your hand into my side. ‘Do not doubt, but believe.’ Thomas spoke quickly, almost interrupting Jesus, ‘Oh, my Lord and my God!’
Jesus stood before Thomas for a few moments and then he said, ‘Thomas, you believe because you have seen me. There is a special blessing for those who do not see me, and yet they believe.’”
There you have it, the reality of what IN GOD WE TRUST means to every believer in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. This special blessing Jesus spoke of is available to everyone who puts their faith in Him, the son of God. It is more important for you for all eternity to enjoy this faith in God than to have a national identity saying IN GOD WE TRUST.
RELATED BIBLE VERSES:
“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” MARK 16:19,20
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, (Jesus) Christ died for us.” ROMANS 5:8
“For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ.” ROMANS 6:10,11
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe shall be condemned.” MARK 16:16
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IN GOD WE TRUST!
Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States of America. In my lifetime I have witnessed a strange occurrence. Fewer and fewer people know of and understand the importance of this holiday. For a brief refresher, here, in a rather lengthy BLOG this month, I share part of a reprint of an advertisement paid for and placed full-page in our local newspaper by a successful business known as HOBBY LOBBY. I BLOG not so much about our sovereign independence but the standards set by five key facets of our society, our nation. These areas reflect who we are, or perhaps more specifically - who we have become.
I. FOUNDING FATHERS:
“An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! … Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. … Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. … Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” PATRICK HENRY
II. PRESIDENTS:
“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” THOMAS JEFFERSON
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” JOHN ADAMS
“Is it not that in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
III. SUPREME COURT JUSTICES:
“The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.” JOHN JAY: FIRST CHIEF JUSTICE
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” JOHN JAY: FIRST CHIEF JUSTICE
“One of the beautiful boasts of our municipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law. … There has never been a period in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying at its foundations. … I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society.” JOSEPH STORY: U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
IV. CONGRESS:
“We are a Christian people…not because the law demands it, not to gain exclusive benefits or to avoid legal disabilities, but from choice and education; and in a land thus universally Christian, what is to be expected, what desired, but that we shall pay due regard to Christianity?” SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REPORT, JANUARY 19, 1853
“At the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged. … That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.” HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REPORT, MARCH 27, 1854
V. SUPREME COURT RULINGS:
“Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without note or comment, be read and taught as a divine revelation in [schools] - its general precepts expounded, its evidences explained and its glorious principles of morality inculcated? … Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from the New Testament?” VIDAL v. GIRARD’S EXECUTORS, 1844 (UNANIMOUS DECISION AND ENCOURAGING THE USE OF THE BIBLE IN GOVERNMENT-RUN SCHOOLS)
EDUCATION:
“Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of Him (Proverbs 2, 3). Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein.” HARVARD 1836 STUDENT GUIDELINES
And a man I met again when he was Governor of California, President Ronald Wilson Reagan said, “We have to keep in mind we are a nation under God, and if we ever forget that we’ll just be a nation under.” Look around you and ask yourself, are we there yet? Are we getting close?
RELATED BIBLE VERSES:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” PSALM 33:12
“The wicked will return to hell, Even all the nations who forget God.” PSALM 9:17
I. FOUNDING FATHERS:
“An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! … Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. … Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. … Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” PATRICK HENRY
II. PRESIDENTS:
“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” THOMAS JEFFERSON
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” JOHN ADAMS
“Is it not that in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
III. SUPREME COURT JUSTICES:
“The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.” JOHN JAY: FIRST CHIEF JUSTICE
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” JOHN JAY: FIRST CHIEF JUSTICE
“One of the beautiful boasts of our municipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law. … There has never been a period in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying at its foundations. … I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society.” JOSEPH STORY: U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
IV. CONGRESS:
“We are a Christian people…not because the law demands it, not to gain exclusive benefits or to avoid legal disabilities, but from choice and education; and in a land thus universally Christian, what is to be expected, what desired, but that we shall pay due regard to Christianity?” SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REPORT, JANUARY 19, 1853
“At the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged. … That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.” HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REPORT, MARCH 27, 1854
V. SUPREME COURT RULINGS:
“Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without note or comment, be read and taught as a divine revelation in [schools] - its general precepts expounded, its evidences explained and its glorious principles of morality inculcated? … Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from the New Testament?” VIDAL v. GIRARD’S EXECUTORS, 1844 (UNANIMOUS DECISION AND ENCOURAGING THE USE OF THE BIBLE IN GOVERNMENT-RUN SCHOOLS)
EDUCATION:
“Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of Him (Proverbs 2, 3). Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein.” HARVARD 1836 STUDENT GUIDELINES
And a man I met again when he was Governor of California, President Ronald Wilson Reagan said, “We have to keep in mind we are a nation under God, and if we ever forget that we’ll just be a nation under.” Look around you and ask yourself, are we there yet? Are we getting close?
RELATED BIBLE VERSES:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” PSALM 33:12
“The wicked will return to hell, Even all the nations who forget God.” PSALM 9:17
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Our identity?
Promotions, graduations, vacations, hobbies, reading, gardening, hiking, camping, cooking, sewing, fishing, sailing, skydiving, growing, studying, planning, organizing, downsizing, dieting, getting well, loosing weight, getting in shape, getting away, writing, recovering, building up, tearing down, removing, waiting, rushing, going, coming; all these “ings”.
Do the “ings" bog you down, do they refresh you, do they energize you?
Do you do any of these things because you want to or because you need to or because you have to? As you go through the summer months this year think a bit about your “identity”. Is your identity formed by any of these things? These things we do. We are often branded by the thing we do.
Branding is a big thing in business and organizations all around us.
We too are branded in many ways; by neighbors, co-workers, friends and even family. Recently I was with a friend and his wife. They hail from a family that owns a very successful international company that his father founded. It is now transitioning from his to a third generation to manage the enterprise. He was introduced as the son of the inventor/founder of the company. Yes, although that is true, that is not what he is. He is much more than just that as a person. So are you. You are more than where you go to school, or where you live, or where you work, or how many children or grandchildren you have, or what you drive, or _______ you fill in the blank.
Years ago my wife Sharon and I had a young family and a business and both of us were active in a church and community activities. She started attending a weekly community Bible study. The first week in her small breakout group of a few women, she was asked to share something about herself - without mentioning her family, her church, or her work. That was not easy as she tells the story because she was so programmed to share all the things that were off limits. They wanted to know something about her, just her. I always liked that. They wanted to know her identity in her own words.
As Christians we have accepted a new identity, an identity based on Jesus Christ, the son of God, not the fabrications of what we think we should be, or what others think we should be.
To quote Pastor Tate Crenshaw, “We are children of God. I know it. I live it. I love it.”
Related Bible verses:
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;”
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."
1 John 3:2 ESV
Do the “ings" bog you down, do they refresh you, do they energize you?
Do you do any of these things because you want to or because you need to or because you have to? As you go through the summer months this year think a bit about your “identity”. Is your identity formed by any of these things? These things we do. We are often branded by the thing we do.
Branding is a big thing in business and organizations all around us.
We too are branded in many ways; by neighbors, co-workers, friends and even family. Recently I was with a friend and his wife. They hail from a family that owns a very successful international company that his father founded. It is now transitioning from his to a third generation to manage the enterprise. He was introduced as the son of the inventor/founder of the company. Yes, although that is true, that is not what he is. He is much more than just that as a person. So are you. You are more than where you go to school, or where you live, or where you work, or how many children or grandchildren you have, or what you drive, or _______ you fill in the blank.
Years ago my wife Sharon and I had a young family and a business and both of us were active in a church and community activities. She started attending a weekly community Bible study. The first week in her small breakout group of a few women, she was asked to share something about herself - without mentioning her family, her church, or her work. That was not easy as she tells the story because she was so programmed to share all the things that were off limits. They wanted to know something about her, just her. I always liked that. They wanted to know her identity in her own words.
As Christians we have accepted a new identity, an identity based on Jesus Christ, the son of God, not the fabrications of what we think we should be, or what others think we should be.
To quote Pastor Tate Crenshaw, “We are children of God. I know it. I live it. I love it.”
Related Bible verses:
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;”
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."
1 John 3:2 ESV
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Walk the right path
Today I start with a Bible verse to set the stage.
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Understanding the Word of God is important for leaders; it’s vital. Leadership is a topic of interest to me and the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua is a study I have enjoyed. And Moses certainly knew about walking ~ he did it for 40 years in the desert. Take a look at the first three chapters of the book of Joshua in the Old Testament of the Bible to review the transfer of the leader of Israel and the acceptance by the people of their new leader. The leader actually chosen by God some time earlier as reported in the previous chapter, Deuteronomy 31:14. Importantly his leadership acceptance by the people was confirmed when they "walked" following the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD their God across the flood stage river Jordan.
I watch leaders carefully. They know where they are going as they lead and they inspire others to walk with them. They get the meaning of what the fruit of the Spirit; the Spirit of God is all about.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control.
Against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
It is vitally important for leaders to communicate well, very well. The inclusion of self-control in this passage refers to the tongue. Leaders must communicate effectively internally within the organization and externally sharing vision and purpose to be successful.
“ … refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels”. II Timothy 2:23
In this second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, he continues to say we “must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition . . . "
Good leaders, the ones we want to follow along life’s path, continue to grow to be closer to God when applying Biblical principles to their daily routine.
A healthy observation is from a new Intern to this ministry. He penned the following, “I will use this opportunity to grow as a person and become closer with God”. This indicates an openness to God’s leading in his life, directing and lighting each step of the way. Can you say that? This is a characteristic of a leader. You can follow his BLOG on this site throughout the next scholastic year as he studies at the University of Ghana, West Africa. And you can support his effort too. Just click the “give” button anywhere on this site and make it happen.
Let the Word of God, the Bible be a guide to light your path.
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Understanding the Word of God is important for leaders; it’s vital. Leadership is a topic of interest to me and the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua is a study I have enjoyed. And Moses certainly knew about walking ~ he did it for 40 years in the desert. Take a look at the first three chapters of the book of Joshua in the Old Testament of the Bible to review the transfer of the leader of Israel and the acceptance by the people of their new leader. The leader actually chosen by God some time earlier as reported in the previous chapter, Deuteronomy 31:14. Importantly his leadership acceptance by the people was confirmed when they "walked" following the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD their God across the flood stage river Jordan.
I watch leaders carefully. They know where they are going as they lead and they inspire others to walk with them. They get the meaning of what the fruit of the Spirit; the Spirit of God is all about.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control.
Against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
It is vitally important for leaders to communicate well, very well. The inclusion of self-control in this passage refers to the tongue. Leaders must communicate effectively internally within the organization and externally sharing vision and purpose to be successful.
“ … refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels”. II Timothy 2:23
In this second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, he continues to say we “must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition . . . "
Good leaders, the ones we want to follow along life’s path, continue to grow to be closer to God when applying Biblical principles to their daily routine.
A healthy observation is from a new Intern to this ministry. He penned the following, “I will use this opportunity to grow as a person and become closer with God”. This indicates an openness to God’s leading in his life, directing and lighting each step of the way. Can you say that? This is a characteristic of a leader. You can follow his BLOG on this site throughout the next scholastic year as he studies at the University of Ghana, West Africa. And you can support his effort too. Just click the “give” button anywhere on this site and make it happen.
Let the Word of God, the Bible be a guide to light your path.
- Published on
Real Hope
This month we said goodbye to a dear friend. She is absent from the body but present with the LORD. Yes, there is hope beyond the grave!
It is painful to say goodbye to a dear friend, yet our real hope is that we will see her again someday. Because where she is, we will be; in heaven. It is painful to say goodbye but refreshing to realize that although today everything is different; only Jesus is the same.
According to the Bible, death is not the end of all things. There is far more to life than just the here and now. We are made to last forever. There will be a day when your heart will stop beating but that will not be the end of you.
Real hope is what lies ahead for all believers in the person of Jesus Christ, the son of God. The time we spend on earth is just the beginning because we know we will spend all eternity somewhere. Christians who believe in Jesus know they will spend eternity with the creator, God almighty.
Jesus said as recorded in John chapter 14, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Then he said, “I am the way, and the truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”
So there you have it from Jesus, the Son of God. By accepting Him as your personal Savior, you are guaranteed an eternity in heaven; that is real hope. Reaching People far from God is a ministry that financially helps ministries in their efforts to share this good news about eternity with their people in culturally relevant ways that we could never do effectively.
It is painful to say goodbye to a dear friend, yet our real hope is that we will see her again someday. Because where she is, we will be; in heaven. It is painful to say goodbye but refreshing to realize that although today everything is different; only Jesus is the same.
According to the Bible, death is not the end of all things. There is far more to life than just the here and now. We are made to last forever. There will be a day when your heart will stop beating but that will not be the end of you.
Real hope is what lies ahead for all believers in the person of Jesus Christ, the son of God. The time we spend on earth is just the beginning because we know we will spend all eternity somewhere. Christians who believe in Jesus know they will spend eternity with the creator, God almighty.
Jesus said as recorded in John chapter 14, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Then he said, “I am the way, and the truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”
So there you have it from Jesus, the Son of God. By accepting Him as your personal Savior, you are guaranteed an eternity in heaven; that is real hope. Reaching People far from God is a ministry that financially helps ministries in their efforts to share this good news about eternity with their people in culturally relevant ways that we could never do effectively.
- Published on
GOOD Friday 2016
Another annually significant day is today, Good Friday. A post this week by friend Bud McCord is brief and certainly to the point, so I share it with you.
"The Final Week and a Good Death"
As Jesus lived his last week He knew certain things were true about Him.
"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." John 13:1
During His final week He knew…
That His hour had come.
That He would leave this world and go to the Father.
That he had loved His own who were in the world.
That He loved them to the end.
Take a close look at this list of Jesus’ certainties. See which of these are yours.
Can you say…
I know my hour will come.
I know I will go to the Father.
I know I am loving those given to me to love.
I know I will love them to the end.
Jesus lived with “the end in mind” and so should we. Our final week will come and our final week should even include a good death. Jesus made this clear for us by the way His final week was full of certainty about who loved Him and who He had loved to the end. This is how His final week included a good death.
Make your final week certain by knowing right now who loves you and by loving right now who you should love. Make your final week and death good starting today.
Bud McCord
Abide International
"The Final Week and a Good Death"
As Jesus lived his last week He knew certain things were true about Him.
"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." John 13:1
During His final week He knew…
That His hour had come.
That He would leave this world and go to the Father.
That he had loved His own who were in the world.
That He loved them to the end.
Take a close look at this list of Jesus’ certainties. See which of these are yours.
Can you say…
I know my hour will come.
I know I will go to the Father.
I know I am loving those given to me to love.
I know I will love them to the end.
Jesus lived with “the end in mind” and so should we. Our final week will come and our final week should even include a good death. Jesus made this clear for us by the way His final week was full of certainty about who loved Him and who He had loved to the end. This is how His final week included a good death.
Make your final week certain by knowing right now who loves you and by loving right now who you should love. Make your final week and death good starting today.
Bud McCord
Abide International
- Published on
LEADERSHIP
Topics about leadership; books, lectures and conferences dealing with leadership abound these days. Many authors, speakers and lecturers have something to say about leading. Perhaps you are aware of this one, "We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." ~ George S. Patton
My friend and leader, Wayne Pederson, currently the President of Reach Beyond just sent a message to his managers that I really like. I like it for several reasons. Let me share it with you now.
"The book of Proverbs says that in a multitude of counsel there is wisdom. But what do you do when the multitude of counselors bring a multitude of conflicting answers?
I had that happen recently. Some were suggesting a pretty drastic course of action. A consultant agreed. I was not feeling peace about the decision.
Seeking counsel from a board member, an attorney and a financial advisor, I made an unpopular decision to move in a different direction. And as soon as I arrived at the decision, I felt this sense of peace.
So how do you decide when there are opposing options and people you respect on both sides?
Not to over-simplify but…I take it to the Lord. In the book of Acts, the leaders of the early church were dealing with a perplexing issue. After much discussion and prayer, they came to a conclusion by saying: “It seemed to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
Consensus is nice when it happens. Sometimes the leader has to get the best input possible, seek the direction of the Holy Spirit allow God and others to confirm the decision.
Not easy, is it? But advice from trusted colleagues and the witness of the Holy Spirit are the best guides to difficult issues."
Don't be led astray with trendy methods for leading. Keep it simple. Follow these steps and you will find peace in your leadership style.
My friend and leader, Wayne Pederson, currently the President of Reach Beyond just sent a message to his managers that I really like. I like it for several reasons. Let me share it with you now.
"The book of Proverbs says that in a multitude of counsel there is wisdom. But what do you do when the multitude of counselors bring a multitude of conflicting answers?
I had that happen recently. Some were suggesting a pretty drastic course of action. A consultant agreed. I was not feeling peace about the decision.
Seeking counsel from a board member, an attorney and a financial advisor, I made an unpopular decision to move in a different direction. And as soon as I arrived at the decision, I felt this sense of peace.
So how do you decide when there are opposing options and people you respect on both sides?
Not to over-simplify but…I take it to the Lord. In the book of Acts, the leaders of the early church were dealing with a perplexing issue. After much discussion and prayer, they came to a conclusion by saying: “It seemed to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
Consensus is nice when it happens. Sometimes the leader has to get the best input possible, seek the direction of the Holy Spirit allow God and others to confirm the decision.
Not easy, is it? But advice from trusted colleagues and the witness of the Holy Spirit are the best guides to difficult issues."
- Wayne
Don't be led astray with trendy methods for leading. Keep it simple. Follow these steps and you will find peace in your leadership style.
- Published on
Cain Still Kills Abel
Just in case that you missed a post by Bud McCord in our Daily Living / Devotionals / Abide International, let me share it with you in the first ever second posting of David's Blog in one month. I think it is worth your reading as a followup to my December 2015 post. Here it is.
"In the first two chapters of the Bible things in the world are 'very good'. By the time one reads on to chapter four of the Bible Cain murders his brother Abel in a religious rage. Evil moves fast.
Based on this Biblical story of the rapid human descent into family, social and religious violence, it is hard to defend the idea that today’s world is essentially worse than it has ever been.
Things have been as essentially bad as they are for a very long time. What has changed is the scale and size of evil, not the essential nature or speed of evil. In reality there are simply more Cains killing more Abels.
The Bible narrative continues to be relevant because it always tells the truth about humanity. No matter how ugly or beautiful the human story may be the Bible still explains it perfectly.
Though humanity may not be all of 'one religion', we are all biological blood brothers and sisters. We are all biological family and Cain continues to kill Abel.
'And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,' Acts 17:26
Whenever one person in the name of religion murders, they murder their own 'blood brother'. In doing so, they are Cain killing a truly innocent family member. This kind of orginal, religious hatred is exactly what the Apostle John pointed out in John 3:10-12.
'In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.'
In God’s eyes the murderous religious rage that afflicts our world today is nothing new. It is the same religious rage that led Adam and Eve to conduct the first family funeral."
Bud McCord, Abide International
"In the first two chapters of the Bible things in the world are 'very good'. By the time one reads on to chapter four of the Bible Cain murders his brother Abel in a religious rage. Evil moves fast.
Based on this Biblical story of the rapid human descent into family, social and religious violence, it is hard to defend the idea that today’s world is essentially worse than it has ever been.
Things have been as essentially bad as they are for a very long time. What has changed is the scale and size of evil, not the essential nature or speed of evil. In reality there are simply more Cains killing more Abels.
The Bible narrative continues to be relevant because it always tells the truth about humanity. No matter how ugly or beautiful the human story may be the Bible still explains it perfectly.
Though humanity may not be all of 'one religion', we are all biological blood brothers and sisters. We are all biological family and Cain continues to kill Abel.
'And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,' Acts 17:26
Whenever one person in the name of religion murders, they murder their own 'blood brother'. In doing so, they are Cain killing a truly innocent family member. This kind of orginal, religious hatred is exactly what the Apostle John pointed out in John 3:10-12.
'In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.'
In God’s eyes the murderous religious rage that afflicts our world today is nothing new. It is the same religious rage that led Adam and Eve to conduct the first family funeral."
Bud McCord, Abide International
- Published on
Peace on Earth!
Every Christmas as we read Christmas card greetings we begin thinking about our favorites and what we will send next year. This year a favorite card included a personal greeting that expresses what could easily be the theme of every CHRISTmas card.
My BLOG last month was about PEACE. So as a followup about PEACE I want to share this note from a dear friend.
"Everybody loves a good story. The more intriguing the plot and characters, the greater our interest. The historical events surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus is one such story. It's the most amazing story of all times! Can you imagine? Jesus, the One who created the first woman was born of a woman. The One we depend on for everything became dependent on human parents. The One who holds the universe in His hands was held in the arms of Mary. The Creator became a creature! Isn't Christmas amazing? Doesn't Jesus deserve our worship and gratitude?"
To learn more about Jesus watch the Jesus Film on this website. For the sake of eternity, you will be glad you did. Click on Media then See the Jesus Film.
My BLOG last month was about PEACE. So as a followup about PEACE I want to share this note from a dear friend.
"Everybody loves a good story. The more intriguing the plot and characters, the greater our interest. The historical events surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus is one such story. It's the most amazing story of all times! Can you imagine? Jesus, the One who created the first woman was born of a woman. The One we depend on for everything became dependent on human parents. The One who holds the universe in His hands was held in the arms of Mary. The Creator became a creature! Isn't Christmas amazing? Doesn't Jesus deserve our worship and gratitude?"
To learn more about Jesus watch the Jesus Film on this website. For the sake of eternity, you will be glad you did. Click on Media then See the Jesus Film.
